New and Emerging Technologies Reflection

This course has taught me a lot about what is a new and emerging technolgy. I realized through this course that my school was actually not up to date on some of the great new technologies that are being introduced in society and even other schools around the country. From learning this I realize that it is our jobs as teachers to bring those technology ideas to our school and district. By sharing our knowledge, we are helping equip our students.

One way that we can influence our schools to use technology is by showing its validity in the classroom. If we come ready to show how teachers can take the tool back to the classroom and make it work for them, it becomes something they value. I think that is what was so great about Application 7. It showed me that you not only have to think it's is worthwhile, but so do your colleagues. Also, I learned that writing a grant proposal is something I believe I can do. They always intimidated me before but I see that it is simply believing in a technolgy and expressing that to whoever you are writing it for.

I plan on making an effort with identifying new and emerging technologies by researching on the internet. You really can learn a lot about what others are doing around the world if you just take time to look. From there, if I feel it is something I would like to bring back to my school I would share it with others. If the technology is something that would need to be purchased, I am much more open to reasearching possible grants or speaking to and administrator about our budget.

I believe this class has taught me to be more proactive with new technolgy. I realize that I can't sit back and wait for it to come to me. If I want a new technolgy than I need to get my school on board and go after it!